"The Gillams have been working
against you here, and so has Brigdar."
"Hah--let them work!"
"Did you see _her_?" I asked.
"_Her_?" questions Radisson absently. "Pardieu, there are so many
_hers_ about the court now with no she-saint among them! Which do you
mean?"
The naming of Hortense after such speech was impossible. Without more
mention of the court, we entered the Company's office, where sat the
councillors in session around a long table. No one rose to welcome him
who had brought such wealth on the Happy Return; and the reason was not
far to seek. The post-chaise had arrived with Pierre Radisson's
detractors, and allied with them were the Gillams and Governor Brigdar.
Pierre Radisson advanced undaunted and sat down. Black looks greeted
his coming, and the deputy-governor, who was taking the Duke of York's
place, rose to suggest that "Mr. Brigdar, wrongfully dispossessed of
the fort on the bay by one Frenchman known as Radisson, be restored as
governor of those parts."
A grim smile went from face to face at Pierre Radisson's expense.
"Better withdraw, man, better withdraw," whispers Sir John Kirke, his
father-in-law.
But Radisson only laughs.
Then one rises to ask by what authority the Frenchman, Radisson, had
gone to report matters to the king instead of leaving that to the
shareholders.
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